The DJ, The Vampire, The Beast.

Looking for a night of wholesome family fun?  A place where your family can experience the beauty of culture, big city entertainment attended by manicured urbanites dressed to the nines?  The you definitely went to the wrong venue because DJ Starscream, Marilyn Manson, and Rob Zombie rolled into New York City in a hell bent fury focused on one main goal to showcase the ultimate shock rock showcase yet to be seen through any unified collaboration on stage.  

Bryan Sacred of Roanoke, Virginia traveled over 460 miles (8 hours) to attend tonight’s show.  “I’m here to support all three acts.  I remember my first cassette tape when he first came out and I had never heard music like that before and I have been a fan of Zombie’s ever since.  Then a friend of mine turned me onto Manson and I became a fan immediately.”  His excitement to see Manson and Zombie together exceeded his expectations and he anticipated a Hell on Earth performance from all three music artists on this night.  “It’s gonna be good music.  Just good family entertainment.”  This said if you are a member of the Addams Family or The Munsters.  India Sacred added, “Well I’ve seen Rob Zombie before on his Halloween Hootenanny with Alice Cooper and this  will be my second time seeing him tonight.  I really want to see Marilyn Manson and that is my main reason for being here tonight.”

When you think of concert duos of legendary reputation and impact you may remember Elton John and Billy Joel’s Face 2 Face Tours, you may even remember The Three Tenors (Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and the Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti), The Lollapalooza Tours, or the recent “Big Four” tour with Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeath, and Slayer.  When you think of an axis of evil and terror you think of Saddam Hussein or Kim Jong Il, and then there is Manson and Zombie known on this tour as the Twins of Evil.  The two traded the raw music concert experience in for the most theatrical staging comprised of busted skulls, giant sized dancing demons, and massive monitors and lighting which showed off exhibit of creativity performed on stage.

Nicole and John Stelmach traveled from Long Island.  They were both equally interested to see Zombie and Manson and the staging and artistic performance from both.  “Their music genres are close in sound and taste.  As Halloween approaches the concert becomes more of a destination event to experience.  They both have this horror Sci-fi thing about them.  They were talking about this tour for a long time and they both are phenomenal performers and they are going to bring that on stage visually, in an auditory way and everything will match up right.”  This show will set the bar for live concerts this year and the dichotomy of the music fans carries the tour forward and sustains the longevity of the artists on this tour.  Bringing Zombie and Manson will create a crossover between fans and to do it near Halloween makes it even better.  “Watching a spectacle on top of experiencing sensational music live is all I could ever hope.”

This was a night of debauchery, of macabre melodies, of ritualistic damnation for those in need of a dirty, naughty, sadomasochistic experimentation into sexuality initiated by a 21st century spaceman whose head gear illuminated in green and red lights.  Bleeding images of dismembered bodies quenched the thirst of the frenzied concert goers.  Blood pumping in the veins of fans, intense anticipation ramped up as the lights went down, and the long starved music fans feasted on this over due meal of metal music.  DJ Starscream (A.K.A Ratboy of the Grammy Award winning group Slipknot) burst the levy walls of sound with a maelstrom drowning the Hammerstein Ballroom guests with intense industrial metal beats much the like of Skinny Puppy, a scrape of Nitzer Ebb, and a hint of Revolting Cocks (RevCo).  His participation on this tour came at the unforeseen illness of Jonathan Davis of Korn who was planning to travel on under his new solo music project of DJ tracks under his new stage name J Devil.  DJ Starscream jumped on the tour with out hesitation and shed light on his journey in music.

“I used to listen to Skinny Puppy a lot and other industrial stuff a lot.  My music has elements of Punk Rock, Revolting Cocks, and my family is from England so I also got much of my influence and music exposure to the Dj’ing music, pop, punk, and the music from over there.  Growing up a DJ my family would send me records from England that you couldn’t find in the record shops and I would get the music before anyone else.  I just grew up with music around me because it’s where my family comes from.  When you spend your childhood living between England and the States you get exposed to a lot of cool shit.”

DJ Starscream is a new solo act on the radar to Zombie and Manson whose exposure of DJ stems from his role with Slipknot.  “I don’t know Zombie really well and I don’t know Manson very well and I’m getting to talk to them a little more on this tour.  It was cool to asked to do the tour prior to actually knowing either one.  I mean we’ve done shows together before but it’s not like we are best friends, but no that I’m on this tour I get to come a little closer with both of them.  It’s huge for me to be on this tour.  It’s Manson, Zombie and me.  Three veterans in the business grinding our instruments together on one stage for one night.”  and the fan response has been great during the limited view DJ Starscream is even able to see them through his fogged up mask.  “I have the mask on and everything and it fogs up easily in there.  So, most of the time I can only see the equipment right in front of me, but, yeah, the response from the fans have been huge.” 

These crowds arriving by the droves to the 2012 Twins of Evil Tour, and they are arriving to be pounded, thrilled, and frightened by the on stage theatrics as well as the commonality and a cross obsession of monster meets sexual fantasy penetrating deeply into the bodies of these loyal and dedicated metal heads.  It’s a diverse spectrum of phantom faces, vampire smiles, and zombie stares and then there is DJ Starscream.  Zombie is an out of the box type thinker free of boundaries and formulating this show strategically combines a cross mix of music and music fans together in one theater.  Behind the curtain reality kicks in and past tours with such stature ended early due to egotistic revenge and misunderstandings leading to bad blood of the bands sharing the stage of that tour.  “Behind the scenes the relationships grow and turn into other things.  There are a lot of cool things happening on this tour.  It was shaky at first but now everyone is like hugging and everybody’s friendly and supportive.  The quality of production, too, from Manson and Zombie are amazing and they are both pulling out all the stops on this tour.”

DJ Starscream (A.K.A. Ratboy) took center stage without so much of a formal introduction from Eddie Truck or Comedian Jim Florentine.  The parade of skull masked men sandwiched DJ Starscream to his lit console.  His cockpit of turn tables surrounded by LED lighting and a 52” flat screen television displayed taunting images of horror movie scenes with a serial killers decapitating his victims and using the heads like a bowling ball.  The metal on metal sounds bled transitioned into a massive body thumping bass beat.  DJ Starscream bounced from left to right behind his killing booth swapping in and out pieces of vinyl wax records in a wondrous motion of old school DJ’ing.  “I’m bringing the whole DJ Starscream outfit with all the lights and electronics involved in it.  I’m Dj’ing a different kind of set then I am normally known to bring with Slipknot in which he is executing sound manipulation and not holding down the beat to the songs.  “I’m going solo on this tour and wearing all this stuff, so, I have to pay attention the entire time and also to see and focus on everything else and hold down the beat the entire time.  It’s a jump being able to run around loosely doing sound escapes with a mesh of sounds like I am doing full time, all the time.  Sometimes I can’t see the equipment and have to DJ blind which fortunately I’m good enough to do that.”

Fear and intimidation.  Two words that never crossed DJ Starscream on this tour.  His confidence supersedes his fears and doubts whether he is performing at a venue of  3,000 people or a stadium of 20,000 people.  He feeds off the energy omitted by the fans.  “The majority of these venues are full by the time I go on.  So, to me, that shit tells me people want to get there early enough to see me go on knowing they will have to wait between a hour and a half or up to almost two hours to catch Manson and Zombie.  They are actually filling up the stadium to see what I am doing, too.  To me that’s hug, you know?”

DJ Starscream displays massive motion through his visual presentation utilizing his chop chop blender of a DJ console.  His professional ability to unify nineties industrial with nu-metal and electronic music welds his reputation as a DJ high above the bolted construction he mixes his vinyl from.  The set ended as deafening as it began with shrieking screams of metal on metal, heart thumping thuds, and scratches.  He took his final bow off to the side of his console.  An extended remote tangled off to the side in his metal grips.  The roar of approval from the crowd was evidence enough.  DJ Starscream brought his game with him to Hammerstein Ballroom.

A second wave of hysteria ignited the room with red lights highlighting shadowed silhouettes roving across the stage with instruments strapped to their backs and sides.  The black shroud in front of the stage fell to the floor revealing a phantasmic scene of music artists dressed in their gory best.  Thunderous bass hits and guitar rips cackled the room calling for the master of ceremonies to join them on stage.  From the shadows a dark shadow approached breaking through the cloud bursts of the fog machines.  The action appeared nothing short of a good old fashioned cemetery scene from The Omen.  Step by step the man who has been compared to the likes of such animated characters as Jack the Pumpkin King from Walt Disney’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” crept through the darkened catacomb from center stage finally making his way to the front of the stage with his face hidden behind a terrorizing mask.

Recent health concerns have put Manson into a tough spot according to news across fan blogs, news feeds and public forums, but is not slowing down.  The tenacious momentum is on over drive on this tour and Manson’s recent bought with Scoliosis proves evident with his recent weight gain.  His biggest gain isn’t in his belt size.  His fans drown him with a gales of roof raising applause screaming his name out as he takes to the stage each night.  Manson has a fire in his heart unlike any artist on the circuit.  He has proven himself as today’s greatest shock rocker and will go down in history as the man who conquered a world of religious men of ego.  He delivery may not be the most appropriate but his message is clear and defined.  

Manson muscles through each song delivering a night full of trick and treats and achieving more respect and greater success as an artist from new fans and veteran fans alike.  He shows no signs of fatigue or apathy in his physical condition, and he is in no way shape or form slowing down.  He made that ultra clear with his opening song “Hey Cruel World” followed by “Disposable Teens” and The Love Song.”  Manson’s playlist celebrates a long career created by striking poignant messages to bring awareness to taboo subjects society still turns a blind eye to.  Something Manson has projected in his costumes and body art.  Yet, behind the make-up, under the Papal Camauro, behind the blackened goggles is today’s greatest theatrical thespian who has faced his biggest challenges and diversity in order to express his messages through his freedom to speech.  “Mobscene,” “Dope Show,” “Rock Is Dead,” and his two classic covers of “Sweet Dreams,” by the Eurythmics and “Personal Jesus” by “Depeche Mode” rounded the song selection.

Manson has battled his inner demons and still faces personal challenges that he will have to face and overcome.  He continues to march forward stronger than ever much to the dismay of those who fear his presence and who wish to shut him down.  Yet those who have challenged him vanish as quick as they appear.  Today, Manson still stands as a memorial reminder that old world thinking needs a shift of consciousness. His dark fantasies may be not be kosher to the norm but the fans reaching out from in front of the stage love him world wide.  The falsified accusations circulating among the anointed scripture readers will eventually become ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Greatness comes in threes.  Lights, Cameras, ACTION!  Another drop screen entrance and a new scene choreographed by the director of terror himself.  Rob Zombie.  His wing men Piggy D (Formally of Dope and Murderdolls) on bass, former Manson guitarist John 5, and Ginger Fish (Manson and  Murderdolls) on drums raised the volume and the heat in the creepy eerie fog under a velvety blanket of deep blue lighting.  Through the fog the Zombie slipped into view from the shadows of backstage.  The thick fog lifted by the thrashing waves of Rob Zombie’s massive grappling “Jesus Frankenstein” arms tricked out with even more monster sized hands and claws.

The music set off like a discharged grenade of music with the greatest hits Zombie ever produced including “Superbeast,” “Meet the Creeper,” and “Living Dead Girl.”  There was even a special appearance on stage by the world’s favorite resident from Hell.  Satan himself who was foiled and beaten back to his berth below by an insanely outrageous John 5 guitar solo.  This battle of wits between John 5 and Satan out shined that of Ralph Maccio vs’ Steve Vai in the movie “Crossroads.”  John 5 is a truly gifted guitarist and his guitar abilities add to the tremendous overflow of talent that Zombie brings out of his on stage band. 

The White Zombie classics, “More Human Than Human” and “Thunder Kiss” mapped out a retrospective timeline for Zombie fans and the songs continued to pour out from the throttled energy displayed on stage.  Zombie, revs up energy trading licks and places with his wingmen.  Jumping and racing across the stage from the forward platforms to skeletal rib caged stairways in what appeared to mimic a metal speed game of musical chairs.  Rob Zombie’s talent has transformed from a lead singer of a self titled band into a megastar from his smash hit albums, endless credits as an award winning musician, producer, and now film direction.  His past films have become cult hits including House of 1,000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects.  His first love maybe arguable to fans and his motivation may just be the little blonde bombshell Rob Zombie calls his killer half.  Sheri Moon is Zombie’s living dead girl with an amazing talent for acting.  This beautiful vixen will love you and slice you with her killer smile at the same time while holding you still beating heart on a rusty fork.  This present day Medusa will lock you in with her stare for a lifetime of cinematic horror so frightening and thrilling you can’t help but watch and yearn for her lustful cinematic presence.  It’s a raw talent and something among many characteristics this Munster-like power couple share between each other.

Zombie’s obsession with the 1950’s horror classics and cult films created his vision in which he expanded on in massive capacity musically.  Zombie is an ever evolving artist who knows no boundaries.  He isn’t afraid to take a risk and his successes are monumental to any artistic community in the truest sense of the word.  As he continues on the 2012 Twins of Evil Tour he develops new avenues for his epic resume of music and films including his upcoming film starring Sheri Moon “Lords of Salem” which Zombie promotes with a movie trailer on stage to the audience.  Zombie is a current day Hitchcock with a flare for creating the most vivid infectious metal music illuminated by fun house like staging and performances.  

This hearse of a locomotive is traveling at full speed to a city near you before it jumps the tracks and heads over seas.  Meet the creeper with your pussy liquor because mars needs women while school’s out and this is your chance to be face to face with both superbeast and dragula.  It is rare you can get a such a glimpse into a show of this magnitude.  It is even more rare when it includes three super acts all for one admission price.  There is plenty of swag to collect and a the memories that will haunt you forever.  Sweet dreams, school’s out, and be take witness to that which is about to rock the world.

Safety Suit Foots The Bill!

Dave Garofalo @ Hammerstein Ballroom NYC 5/1/12

Sometimes an opening band outshines and connects harder with an audience than the headliner and here is such a case where the element of surprise left the audience breathless beckoning for more music.  Safety Suit is now supporting the Daughtry 2012 “Break The Spell” tour concerts.  Safety Suit is the all American rock band you need watch out for as the up and coming music group for 2012 and on.  Safety Suit formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma now and now records in Nashville, Tennessee where they recently relocated their home base to.  The band is rapidly growing more famous by the show and raising eyebrows, as well as the performance bar for concert experiences.  

Their story begins in 2004 when the boys first formed under the name “Crew” and went through a minor trial and error period testing its original core members; Doug Brown (Vocals/Guitar/Dancer), Tate Cunningham (Drums), and Jeremey Henshaw (Bass Guitar/Vocals) on fusing their vision into sound.  Later that year the band approached, positioned, presented, listened to, and ended their guitarist discovery inviting Dave Garofalo to join them to cement the sound, energy and life now known as Safety Suit.

  

Doug Brown @ Hammerstein Ballroom NYC 5/1/12

Producer, Greg Archilla produced the band’s first four song EP called “Stay” leading to the band’s first real taste of success as a group.  Safety Suit was shortly offered a major deal designed by the Universal Music Group.  The band was set free to ravage a nation in need of music with substance and they were well prepared to make that happen.  Archilla would once again jump on board to produce the 2007 release of “Life Left to Go” which was received with great satisfying acceptance and appreciation by the Billboard Top “Heatseekers” chart.  

Fast forward to Sunday April 29, 2012 where Dave Garofalo sits across from the tour bus parked in front of the Palace Theater. “We have been working at this moment for over eight years now and we are finally seeing the impact that our band is making in music.  We really didn’t know what to expect of what effect and impact our music would have until our songs were placed on television.  Now we’re here in Albany, New York sharing the stage with Daughtry and supporting his tour and celebrating our latest album release "These Times."  An album think tank collaborative with members from Espionage who just help to produce the block buster "Hey Soul Sister" with Train.  Garofalo took in the moment and thought back to the group’s first television placement.  “TV placement is an amazing opportunity for any artist or group and it is still a crucial element for music artists just starting out.  The connections we made with new fans just in those placements were huge.  I still can’t believe this is really happening sometimes and I sometimes think I will wake up late for work to sell one of these.” Garofalo says smiling and holding up his new white iPhone 4S.  Safety Suit has been heating up ever since those placements and there has been no sign of a cold spell during their last two performances.

Doug Brown @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

The sold out Palace Theater filled quickly and the attendees sat as the lights went out.  Safety Suit’s set was all that separated the Daughtry fans now from seeing Daughtry live.  Cunningham walked out first in the shadow of blue light drawing attention with a twirling drumstick.  Garofalo runs out directly on a mission to hit his stage mark at center when a spotlight freezes him instantly in place.  Hunched over his guitar Garofalo repeatedly plays a three note guitar drone like an all out alert to brace yourself for something big that’s coming.  The Daughtry fans sat heeding this guitar alert and with a brilliant flash from the stage the audience exhaled wide eyed and mouths open as Brown and Henshaw blasted out jumping out from the stage wings.  Safety Suit opened the set like a violent storm of sound ravaging the Palace Theater audience whose delayed reaction appeared like a mass collection seeing the coming of the rapture.  The fever of excitement was spread instantly and the uproar of the audience was drowned out by the intoxicating sound of Safety Suit whose magnetic attraction with the audience moved all from observers to fans.

Tate Cunningham @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

By the time Brown reached the mic he appeared possessed by the holy ghost of music.  His wide eye jaw dropping delivery penetrated the the soul and you can't but accept the thrust of his vocal power.   Brown has a natural approach to delivering the best performance on vocals which was equally supported by the band members.  It’s his God given talent that is infectious enough to make the unbeliever a believer.  Safety Suit is the support act headliners fear and want to have at the same time because they are that good.  The members of Safety Suit each add their love and passion for making music constructed as one light, one sound, one musical movement.  Their synergy wraps around every seat in the house creating intermediary reciprocity kindred between music fans alike.

  

The set continued onward and Safety Suit nailed every song perfectly.  The energy pouring out from their songs such as "Never Stop", "These Times", and "Get Around This" reflect the challenges and tribulation a band faces under the rule of a dismantled music industry, but all roads lead to a promise land and Safety Suit knows that first hand with their most monumental performance to date.  This time that moment was revealed at The Hammerstein Ballroom Tuesday night in New York City where Safety Suit was showcased.  Brown delivered a rendition of Jeff Buckely’s “Hallelujah” which sent chills of enlightenment to all who attended.  "I have no idea who this band is or where they came from, but WOW.  I'm...wow...what can I say.  I'm a loss for words." explains David M. from Somers, NY.  " I can’t remember when I ever liked a support band this much or even cared to know who they are, but I am left amazed at the set I just heard. " David came to the show with his wife to see Daughtry and walked away a new fan of Safety Suit.  "I'm really happy I came and I will follow Safety Suit to see when I can see them next."

Jeremy Henshaw @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

Another Sarah J of South Florida said, "Every moment of this show kept me in suspense waiting on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next." she describes in her experience of Safety Suit’s set.  "There was not one single dull moment while they were on stage and when the lead singer (Doug Brown) found me in the crowd he grabbed my camera and took it on stage.  I was screaming in excitement as he took picture after picture of his bad mates and then one with me." Sarah speaking of Doug Brown's wild side to give his fans the ultimate experience of being living part of the show.

In Albany Doug climbed on top of the seats with a helmet cam strapped to his head and at Hammerstein he took a ride ride upon the shoulders of Daughtry's tour manager who carried the young singer around the general admission floor.  Safety Suit sends is a living example that when you unleash your inner child light illuminates from within you.  The band’s love and passion to play is evident and they continue to impress the music world on all levels.  Safety Suit revitalizes the music performance experience with exhilarated enthusiasm and they are worth more than the price of their admission.

Dave Garofalo @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

They will continue to tour as a support to Daughtry's "Break the Spell Tour."  You may even choose to follow current music purchasing trends by visiting Tunes to download your own copy of Safety Suit’s "These Times" onto your PC and mobile devices just like Emma Y. of Long Island did before leaving the venue.  "The line was too long and I'm downloading the tracks right now on my iPhone.  I love that I can discover new music live and walk away with their songs downloaded before I even leave the show.  I never did that before tonight and I was so impressed with Safety Suit that I needed to hear their music again." Emma says rushing for her train at Penn Station.  "I'm not sure when I will have the same impressions of a band to be this motivated to buy music on the spot.  Safety Suit..Wow."

Wow is the word of the day when describing Safety Suit and the fans will have to wait for what comes next from this group on the rise and with continued support, guidance, and solid efforts by the Safety Suit team this bands future could send this band on a journey of incredible success and a rich history to measure up to.  If these two shows testify to what is up next for the young group then be prepared because the best is yet to come.

Two Year Spell Broken: 3 Nights of Daughtry

Daughtry @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

Daughtry continues the 2012 tour at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods Resort Casino where a full house beat all odds incited by “Renegade,” a raw driven track recorded on the band’s third album release "Break The Spell". Any hesitation on whether or not this TV created rock star runner up could return after a two year hiatus was quickly snuffed out when Chris took center stage amidst the ignited audience.  Daughtry sang “Don’t you wanna feel like a rebel? Renegade on the run? Real live wire in the cross fire riding shotgun.”  Daughtry has made no deals with any Devil and he not sold his soul.  He just boldly challenges his doubters to call his success what they want with his own open invitation to feel out of control in their own unique ways singing “Here we go!” Here we go in deed, and with a wall of thunderous sound pushing the fans back the show kicked off illuminating hands reaching high and fans jumping out of their seats in a strident pace that even Bon Jovi would nod their approval to.

Daughtry @ Hammerstein NYC 5/1/12

Daughtry’s success from his days on American Idol continue to skyrocket upwards towards new levels of stardom.  His reception by fans is a seed grown from Chris’s ability to write a wide spectrum of people across an even wider generation gap.  It’s Chris’s dexterity and competence which keeps his potentiality as a promising music artist with a long career ahead possible. His family friendly shows draw people from all walks of life and they come simply because they connect to Daughtry and love his music.  That connection is cemented through Daughtry’s real life stories written in his songs about the daily struggles and curve balls that the harsh reality of everyday life can hurl.  Daughtry’s ability to remain openly honest with his music gives the audience what they seek, Hope in a world that appears to be falling apart at the seams.

Daughtry @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

The 2012 “Break The Spell” tour play list highlights the 2011 album release over two hour showcase.  Titles include “Spaceship”, “Outta My Head” and “Louder and Louder” as well as some previous hits such as “September” and “Over You” and two surprise toss in’s covers by Tom Petty and Billy Idol.  Chris connects with his audiences no matter where he plays with his stories and music.  One such story Daughtry told on Sunday’s stop at Albany’s Palace Theater spoke about Daughtry’s latest single “4 AM”.  “This is a track written for the 2012 Esquire Song Writer Contest which I took part in along with some incredible artists and it wasn’t contest really.  Chis said referring to his recent participation in the Esquire Song Writer contest.  Daughtry explained, “I was given the challenge along with the other music artists to write a song based on three words given to me by Esquire and the words they chose were “Pacific Standard Time”.  I don’t know anything about Pacific Standard Time and because I don’t live in that time zone I wasn’t sure what to write or how to even explain what is a Pacific Standard Time is anyway?”  Chris soloed his new track with his acoustic six string in an emotionally inspiring premiere.  The song about a boy missing his girlfriend separated by the distance of many time zones and the sadness of being apart was an instant hit for fans and proceeds from the sale of this track will benefit charity.

Daughtry Live @ Palace Theater Albany, NY 4/29/12

Each show is a milestone in Chris’s young evolving music career.  Dreams are meant to be broken and it wasn't so long ago when Chris was playing unknown bars with his prior bands.  He is a living example that forgotten dreams can surface at any time when great persistence and hard work prevail beyond uncertainty.  The proof is in the story where a young 26 year old Daughtry walks into a New York City office with nothing more than an acoustic guitar strapped to his side for the biggest showcase of his entire life.  A showcase with the Godfather of Jive Records, Clive Davis.  Chris's impersonation of Davis sounded like something out of The Sopranos, but the audience got the point and heard as close of a rendition on that fateful day of “Home”.  

Daughtry Hammerstein NYC 5/1/12

Tuesday night, Photos of family and yesterdays gone by projected on a massive screen were all the frills needed to dress the stage at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.  Once again fans warmly received Daughtry and his band were received with blaring shrills and deafening applause.  New York City was popping as Chris jumped from the stage to have some one on one time with his fans in the front row.  The playlist remained the same and had some fans who been following the group hoping to hear more Daughtry tracks such as Jennifer F, of Hartsdale, New York who spent the last week driving the last leg of the New England shows at MGM Grand, Palace Theater, and the Hammerstein Ballroom. “I want to know what a girl needs to do to get a little Tennessee and less Rebel Yell?” She says referencing song selections.  “I’m a huge Bon Jovi fan and it was in 2005 when I turned on American Idol and heard Chris singing "Wanted Dead Or Alive".  I was hooked and wanted to see more.”  Jennifer went on to showcase her new found love of Daughtry with her own personal stories which includes listening to all three Daughtry albums over and over again for almost a week straight just so she could sing with the Chris and his band.  “They remind me so much of Bon Jovi from even with the start of this show which reminds of how the Circle Tour opened (Bon Jovi’s 2010-2011 tour) and now Daughtry has a Keyboardist.  I really want to see what Daughtry does next to step away from the Bon Jovi image and to define his own.”

Josh Steely Rips Solo @ MGM Foxwoods 4/28/12

Daughtry’s 2012 “Break The Spell” tour continues to heat up as the scheduling for more dates build throughout the summer of this US tour.  He will be accompanied by Safety Suit who are equally fantastic and deserving of their own review which will come shortly and are officially on “band on the rise” list, but here it’s all about Daughtry.  Chris continues to defy the law of American Idol runner ups and winners by succeeding past the lack of faith some skeptics still may have of him.  The confidence gained from these three shows and with the shows to come are enough to provide certainty and assurance that he is not going anywhere any time soon thanks to the endowment that is created by his music.  If these three shows have any foreshadow of what is to come from Daughtry then get ready to put your AC on turbo mode because the Daughtry will be heating up at a show near you making this summer the hottest enough on record and like that Chris closed his sizzling performance in New York City show out with three of his own little words.  “It’s Not Over.”  

Fluffy Takes Mahattan By Cake!

All hail Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias who took New York City's Radio City Music Hall like El Kabong with an acoustic guitar. Radio City seats over six thousand people and is the icon of music venues around the world. Made famous by its annual presentation of the Christmas Spectacular and its famous dancing Radio City Rockettes, this venue is as holy of a music venue and experience as Chico's Tacos for Fluffy. Radio City Music Hall has showcased the biggest names in music such as Frank Sinatra, Carey Grant, Sting, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, and many more. This night the biggest part wasn't the name and not so much the size of the talent, physically, but the impact that one comedian's connection would be after working relentlessly to bring laughter to his fans.  Tonight Fluffy did just that delivering with enormous impact, his best show to date in front of the largest live audience at a sold out Radio City Music Hall.

The show opened with L.A. Based Latin Rockers, Ozomatli who pumped up the audience with Cumbia-esque beats and an unexpected cover of Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough". The notorious, and single, Martin Moreno hosted the evening introducing the touring comedians Shaun Latham, Rick Gutierrez and Alfred Robles who each fueled the audience with infectious comedy, but the night belonged to Gabriel Iglesias and after a fifteen minute intermission of comedy highlights from his Stand-Up Revolution TV Show (officially picked up for a second season on Comedy Central) the show theme song began to play with the audience in perfect sync singing "Hey! It's Fluffy!" 


The shock was evident from Gabriel who resembled a first grader about to perform "Twinkle, Twinkle" on a kindergarten stage. A GIANT smile, a major twinkle in his eye, and a deep breath was almost too much for Iglesias who had to take a moment to absorb where he was and what this performance truly meant for him.  There is NO doubt in my mind that his mind flashed back all the way to the beginning of his comedy/acting career in 2000 when Iglesias joined the cast of Nickelodeon's "All That." The sweat was instant, but the roaring acceptance by the Fluffy Fans (and I do mean other Fluffy Peeps) was enough for Gabriel to start the show. It was a monumental moment for both the audience and the comedians. Everyone became a part of history and I couldn't have been more thrilled. 


The comedy was ALL new unheard, uncharted, and virgin to the fans who attended. Iglesias has been described as unbelievably witty, electrifying, and clean. I don't agree. It's his ability to hook his audience with detailed story telling that relates to all people no matter their creed, color, or preference, BUT don't mix up your latin types because according to the comedy master a Puerto Rican is NOT the same as a Mexican and any error in judgement may result in a minor implemented injury by something sharp.  All kidding aside, this comedian's ability to wash away the differences of each person in exchange for the similarities that make us a family has empowered Iglesias to travel and share his comedy throughout the US and around the world including a very incredible performance in Iran (where Fluffy is number TWO on youtube.com). The story of that show is INCREDIBLE and you will have to attend to hear the details including who the number one comedian on youtube in Iran actually is.  I will give you a clue.  "Silence!  I Kill You!"

As the night came to a close, and Gabriel continued his stories you could sense the selfish desires from the fans for more time and more stories with Fluffy. This is when it hit me the hardest. Like every legendary music group, you MUST have an encore with your most popular songs. So, how does a comedian…let me rephrase that…how does a giant size comedian who is ready to dive into the thirty plus cakes waiting for him in the back that's being stared at and guarded by a "NOT STONED" comedian waiting for Iglesias to wrap up and finish his set? You perform and tell the popular stories. 


The audience did NOT miss a beat and Iglesias taunted the New York City Union Workers (IASTE Local One Mobsters) by unplugging his one stage timer sending the night into over time. Gabriel called out the audience for story requests and the feed back was LOUD and immediate. Stories such as "The Racist Basket," "Donkey," and "Making Cops Laugh," and it was in his final piece "New Car" where Gabriel's true and humble side almost left both audience and comedian in tears. The audience sang back loud enough to make the floor shake. I am sure, Martin Moreno was selfishly taking it all in backstage since the audience was yelling his name, but the moment paused Gabriel's story and the light that radiated from his energy said to me that whatever doubts he ever had about his career, whatever people ever said to possibly derail his ability to try, or whatever took place to challenge Gabriel to rethink his choice to perform comedy, it was all squashed tonight.

I don't know if Gabriel will ever read this or if this will ever make it to someone who has ever felt they weren't somebody with a purpose or a plan, but I want to formally be the first to say don't quit!  When life seems impossible and you are ready to give up, don't!  Pursue your dreams harder.  Welcome to the big leagues Gabriel!  Your performance at Radio City Music Hall left an audience seeing and believing in how one man who one day is a part time employee struggling to make ends meet at a cell phone store can find monumental success when he pursues his dreams and becomes a house hold name in comedy and you did it with the greatest reason of all.  You love to and remember that actors and musicians can have their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a few bucks, but not everyone can blow the roof off Radio City Music Hall.  Some people only win awards and don't truly connect with their fans, but Gabriel Iglesias has done both by earning the hearts of his fans.  Saturday night was sensational and almost too good to be true and the memories of this performance is one for the history books.  Nothing will take that Fully's success as a comedian…not even a missing video tape of his nude performance now floating around in some viral black hole.  Here's to Gabriel Iglesias, the man who can truly have his cake and eat it.

Parris In Spring

3/22/2012  - BB King Bar and Grill - New York, NY 

Gil Parris Strikes Back

Parris in spring heats up New York City at the BB King Bar and Grill with another knock out performance by the Gil Parris Band and special guests.  Parris comes fresh off of two all star performances from the Kitano Hotel’s “Jazz at Bar Lounge” where he and New York Yankee great, Bernie Williams painted the town with two sensational and unbelievable music sets early this month.  Both the BB King Marquee and Times Square shared one thing in common, Parris in spring has sprung up in New York City paved way by one super sizzling performance last night and I was there.  Let’s get down to the details shall we?

Matt King On Keys

“It’s been five years since I last headlined at BB’s and I recently played here a different times this year with the great Diane Schuur, Bobby Caldwell, and a special tribute show for the late Cornell Dupree.  I shared this stage here with Joe Cocker, Dr. John, and Paul Shaffer and other friends and talents over the years.  So much has happened for me musically since I last headlined here.”  Parris said just before taking the stage.  “I feel at home and I’m gearing up to book more shows here at BB’s more often.  The sound here is amazing and the performances are up close.” Gil added in as he walked up to the stage entrance. People still talk about Gil’s impact rendition of “Little Wing” at the Jimi Hendrix’s 69th Birthday Tribute celebration, where he, along with Larry Coryell, Leon Hendrix, Godfrey Townsend and other music legends, payed honor to a fallen musical icon.

Josh Dion & Joe Piteo

Kip Sophos brings a gritty and abrasive sound on bass, accompanied by Matt King on keyboard, Joe Piteo on drums and percussion, and New York City’s hidden treasure, Josh Dion featured on vocals, drums and percussion.  Parris naturally molds himself into any genre of music without effort and with remarkable success.  He surrounds himself with a kaleidoscope of music virtuosos in order to deliver, delight and fascinate his fans at each show he plays.  The scope of this show expanded beyond any other rock and blues fruition presented by the Gil Parris Band playlist that covered an astonishing arrangement of Jimi Hendrix’s “Crosstown Traffic”, Jeff Beck’s “Freeway Jam”, and The Meter’s “Crissy Strut”.

Williams Solo Stuns Parris

Surprise music guests included Gil’s Lazy Lounge Music Jam partner, Curtis Winchester on vocals, Andre Lassalle on guitar and long time friend, Bernie Williams.  38 year old Jennifer, from Somers, NY said, “We’ve been seeing Gil and Bernie a lot recently playing together outside of the weekly jams in White Plains.  You have to wonder if something bigger is evolving because each show they play the music is just getting tighter and tighter.  They have such incredible chemistry together and they support each other not just on guitar from what I see.”  Frank, of Mamaroneck, NY said, “This was some show.  From the start to the end.  It just shows you never know who you may see playing in New York City at any given time.  I walked in not knowing what to expect to hear with such a diverse and talented band and I’m walking away wishing to hear more.”  There will be more from Gil Parris and Bernie Williams, who are booking more dates around the New York City area.  Parris and Williams return to the Iridium, home of the late and great Les Paulin Time’s Square on May 5-6, 2012 at the and they are back for another two nights at the Kitano Hotel this coming September.  

Parris & Williams Exchange Guitar Riffs

I will also be watching very closely as Gil Parris and Bernie Williams continue to hit show after show out of the park, but tonight’s show was a long over due home coming celebration for Westchester’s very own Gil Parris.  “There are very few people I know who can jump from tour to tour, put out multiple albums in multiple genres, yet maintain one of the longest running music jams and play shows all in a year.  When does this guy ever sleep?” asked Ricki and Lisa of Tarrytown, NY.  My answer to your question is when Gil’s rose painted guitar is hung up, and he walks away to find a new adventure then maybe he will take a break to rest, but I don't think that is going to be anytime soon from what I just heard played live from BB King Bar and Grill tonight.

Hoppin at the Kitano!

The Kitano Hotel - New York, NY, Marc 2nd, 2012

Gil Parris and Thierry Arpino

Jazz at the Kitano is a warm restaurant and bar nestled on the second floor of the Kitano Hotel.  Views of Grand Central Terminal compliment a glowing Chrysler Building with sprinkles of racing headlights up and down Park Avenue.  The scene transitions from blaring car horns to a sultry saxophone solo, from loose change falling on the cold wet side walk to the taps of a high hat, from the rat race to foot bouncing tempos by each of the professional Jazz musician who stop in.  The Kitano is the most intimate hot spot to experience Jazz just inches away from some of the highest acclaimed Jazz musicians today.  Jazz at the Kitano is hosted by artist manager, Gino Moratti, welcoming visitors from around the world to have a truly rare music experience very up close and very personal.

Bernie Williams

This weekend Jazz at the Kitano welcomes Grammy Nominated Guitarist Gil Parris and New York Yankee Great Bernie Williams.  The two music all-stars friends are backed by world renown and award winning musicians Thierry Arpino on drums and Harvie S on stand up bass and electric bass.  This star studded mash up gears up tonight to color the night with awe inspiring sound that will be heard by the very few select who attend.  The music includes original music by both Gil Parris and Bernie Williams including a smooth rendition from the Fraiser TV theme song and a playfully sarcastic cover of “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” ("Aristocats" - 1970 Walt Disney Production).  Bernie Williams and Gil Parris showcase their connection through unique guitar conversations with each song.  The spirited friendship between these two music artists is evident in their playful and sometimes comical stage antics.  Bernie Williams stumps Gil Parris with a minor solo in which Gil replies back with the "Charge" baseball riff opening the room up in laughter.  

Drummer - Thierry Arpino

“You never know what to expect when BW and I (Bernie and Gil) get together with an equally talented back line (Harvie S and Thierry).  We play every week at our jam in White Plains with amazing musicians and we meet more and more as each week.  Tonight and tomorrow night are rare.  Nights like tonight do not happen often when everybody is touring, in a recording session, or are tied up with other events.” Parris said during a sit down.  This coming from Gil's Parris's recent tours Bobby Caldwell.  “This year has been eclectic in my music career including the drop of a new album I recorded and co-wrote with a ferocious drummer/singer, Josh Dion and now I have two nights with my closest friends here Jazz at The Kitano, I'm having fun.”  Gil Parris is headlining at BB King's on March 22nd, but tonight is all about two friends sprightly teasing each other with each other's music.

Bernie and Gil Share A Laugh

If the sound check is a testimony what to expect from tonight you will participate in a savoir-faire of living breathing music provided by two men whose separate paths crossed one faithful night after a New York Yankee loss and a small White Plains music jam win.  “The transition from baseball to music wasn't a shocker, especially to my former teammates who I played for on bus rides between stadiums.  The Lazy Lounge Jam gave me a great relief from the pressures of playing major league baseball and no one treated me like a super star.  I was just another guy with a guitar playing the same notes as they were.  I miss baseball and my time as a Yankee, but I’m able to concentrate now on what I was dreaming about as a young boy in Puerto Rico.  I’m jamming and touring as a guitarist and my friends are here to back me as I continue to evolve my guitar skills and as I expand my knowledge about writing music.”  Williams explained in his hotel room.  “People know me as a New York Yankee first and that’s ok with me.  I have been blessed and fortunate with two highly successful careers that came to surface for me and they both brought me to this very night along with one of my closest friends on guitar.  How could I not admire Gil's fluid ability to play guitar?  After all he has his own Reverend signature guitar.

Bassist - Harvie S

Jazz at the Kitano has as much flavor coming from the music it highlights as it does coming from the menu it serves, but the house special tonight will be Gil Parris and Bernie Williams sharing the cozy corner under the spot lights, backlit by cityscape views, refreshed by fine wine and dining.  Gil and Bernie’s friendship and success is a living testimony just how two of the most unlikely pair can find each other at their highest peaks of success in their individual careers and yet arise even higher as a team.  No matter how big the stage or how large the audience, when the lights go up and the music starts up you are ushered to sit in on a music set where Williams and Parris connect, share, and passionately play aloud for the pure love and enjoyment of playing.  You can take part every Wednesday night with Gil Parris and Bernie Williams at the Lazy Lounge Jam in White Plains, but for tonight and tomorrow night the place to be for true Jazz enthusiasts is at Gino Moratti’s "Jazz at the Kitano."

Jagermeister Is All Ears On Korn

The Jagermeister Tour 2010 stage shroud dropped to the floor, the bold letters K.O.R.N penetrated the darkness and the music played above the hysteria of Korn Kampers lining up to mosh while the seconds ticked until Korn appeared on stage after a long hiatus off the road.  The anticipation built up as wave after wave of roars and metal hand signs pierced the stale Roseland air over a background introduction of "4 U."  Out from the shadows came Ray Luzier, Korn's latest member, who took seat behind a barricade of drum heads and cymbals.  He greeted the fanatical crowd with a baneful snarl behind his twirling drum stick.  Fieldy (Reginald Arvizu) lurked out from behind the amp stacks, and Munky (James Shaffer) materialized from the dusky nebulous off stage.  The sullen blue lights dimly highlighted the band as a despondent macabre message to hold on tight because we are in for one very bumpy ride.

The thunder off the kicker drums hammered the floor and the rampant guitar riffs pulverized the unbridling Korn Kampers.  I was caught between the on-stage canons driving deep base rhythms and hallow drums hits on one side, and the action ready tanks behind the metal bars on the other.  What came next was the break in the Roseland Levee.  The apocalyptic revelation surrounding Jonathan Davis sent chills down my spine.  Lit up in navy blue undertones, with a minor red glimmer from his famous biomechanical mic-stand, a necromantic beauty from the brain of H.R. Gieger.  The Kampers, ready to unleash pure hell bent fury, raised the level of distortion I can't recall experiencing.  My heart was racing as I stared up at Jonathan, just inches from my camera lens, all the while knowing that here was a lead singer who has achieved more greatness then any other band currently on tour in this music genre and that he was about to set off an eruption with one question.   Are YOU READY?

The restless bodies convulsed to the delirium of the all-embrassing acceptance by the audience.  The light show was minor, but the wall of sound was anything but mundane.  Korn brought fourth an wall of sound that blasted holes in my ear drums.  The play list was hit song after hit song including "Freak On A Leash." "Ya'll Wanna Single," "Here To Stay," "Dead Bodies Everywhere," "Blind," and even the more recent bonus track cover of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall."  The air of excitement on Korn's verbal assault permeated the night stirred by the madness and lunacy of Davis vivid thoughts, whose lyrical expressions inhibits and feeds off his soul's dynamic obstructions eclipsed by the landscape that he subsumes in his being.  His on-stage exhibition is nothing less then remarkable.  It's not so much the rawness of his voice or the massive thrash of his kinetic head bangs as it is his delivery.  Korn is still the cathartic metal band whose birth in 1992 still continues to grow and continues to evolve to into an even deeper provocative band that emerged post-grunge era.  

Jagermeister has successfully created another tour that has surpassed it's pervious shows.  The marketing and connection through music continues to impress me with each line up they compile annually.  This year's high energy was no different for me and even though the number of bands signed to the tour may have been scaled down slightly the choice picks of this year's band selection was not sacrificed.  Korn was the cherry pit on top of this congealing sundae of lost misfits.  It's a show that will surpass current music tours this past year to true music fans.  With eight shows left you have little time to experience this tidal wave of sound, and what will 2011 bring to the Jagermeister line up?  The answer is beyond, but I doubt the line-up will disappoint any concert goer.  It's inconceivable but it is possible that next year's tour will over shadow the current line-up.  How about making the 2011 tour like a lethal cocktail.  One part Rammstein, one part Marilyn Manson, and one part Rob Zombie, all shaken and poured together into an ageless shot glass for the Jagermeister fans to drink up?   I think that would be one shot easy to swallow and impossible to digest.  Just keep an Advil near by because you are going to need it in a good way.